New Statue at Gandhi Mandapam
Rani Velu Nachiyar Honoured with Statue in Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin unveiled a life‑size statue of Veeramangai Rani Velu Nachiyar, an 18th‑century queen and freedom fighter, at the Gandhi Mandapam campus in Guindy, Chennai.
The statue was erected at a cost of ₹ 50 lakh by the State’s Department of Information and Public Relations.
During the unveiling, the CM paid floral tributes to her portrait placed near the statue.
Legacy of Rani Velu Nachiyar
Born in 1730 to King Chellamuthu Vijayaragunatha Sethupathy and Queen Muthathal Nachiyar, Velu Nachiyar was trained in martial arts including sword fighting, archery, spear throwing, and horse riding.
In 1746, she married Muthu Vaduganatha Thevar, ruler of Sivaganga.
In 1772, when British forces attacked Sivaganga, her husband died in the battle. After a period of exile, she, aided by Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan, and Gopal Naicker of Dindigul, recaptured Sivaganga in 1780. She then ruled the kingdom for 16 years.
She passed away on 25 December 1796. Her administration is remembered for promoting welfare, resistance against British expansion, and for her role as one of the earliest women to lead armed struggle in India.
Government Acknowledgement & Additional Actions
- CM Stalin also announced that the Police Training School in Vellore will be renamed after Rani Velu Nachiyar.
- The unveiling fulfills a commitment made by the state government’s Information & Publicity Department.
- The event underscores the DMK government’s efforts to glorify her legacy, including a musical dance drama and a float on her for the 2023 Republic Day parade.
Static GK Tip: Velu Nachiyar in History
Static GK fact: Rani Velu Nachiyar is often celebrated as the first Indian queen to lead an armed resistance against the British East India Company, predating even Rani Lakshmibai.
Static GK fact: She reigned over the Kingdom of Sivaganga from 1780 to ~1796, ruled for about 16 years, and was succeeded by her daughter Vellacci.
Significance of the Unveiling
This statue is not only a symbol of respect to a trailblazer in India’s fight for freedom, but also a tool of public memory, reminding citizens of how regional leaders contributed to anti‑colonial resistance. The renaming of institutions anchors this memory institutionally.
The cost, location, and government backing show that there is increasing recognition of women leaders in Indian history beyond the well‑known names. It also reflects state‑level efforts to balance historical narratives.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Rani Velu Nachiyar Honoured with Statue in Chennai:
| Topic | Detail |
| Unveiled Statue | Rani Velu Nachiyar statue unveiled at Gandhi Mandapam, Guindy, Chennai |
| Unveiling by | Chief Minister M.K. Stalin |
| Cost of Statue | ₹ 50 lakh |
| Associated Renaming | Police Training School in Vellore to be named after Velu Nachiyar |
| Birth & Death | Born 1730; died 25 December 1796 |
| Key Allies | Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan, Gopal Naicker |
| Reign | Recaptured Sivaganga in 1780, ruled for ~16 years |
| Title & Recognition | Known as “Veeramangai” and often called first Indian woman freedom fighter |
